APRIL 04, 2014Charters seek compromise on governance transparency
(Calif.) Charter schools, which often operate as both a private non-profit and a publicly-funded agency, reside in a sort of legal no-man’s land as it relates to the state’s open meeting and good governance laws.
Efforts to simply extend the Brown Act, the Public Records Act and the Political Reform Act to charters has failed in the past – largely because the rigid requirements don’t mesh well with fundamental tenants of the charter movement that give the schools freedom and flexibility.
But there are signs that a pivotal confrontation may be nearing, as lawmakers consider once again whether to attempt to unilaterally impose existing requirements or embrace alternative legislation that charter advocates say will provide needed transparency but protect their cherished autonomous status.
“There’s been a lot of conversation over the past several legislative cycles around which conflict of interest laws apply to public charter schools – which are funded with taxpayer dollars,” explained Myrna Castrejon, senior vice president over government affairs at the California Charter Schools Association.
“We are now in an environment where there is little predictability about the local context in which charters operate,” she said. “We really feel like it is time to clearly define those parameters and Charters seek compromise on governance transparency :: SI&A Cabinet Report :: The Essential Resource for Superintendents and the Cabinet:
Florida considers ‘return on investment index’ for schools
(Fla.) Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst is driving legislation in Florida that would establish a “return on investment” index comparing education spending with standardized test scores – something supporters say would help school administrators, parents and the public better recognize the most cost effective programs.